The last date for the filing of income tax returns has been extended by five days to August 5 instead of July 31 because of the unprecedented surge in number of I-T returns being filed online.

“As a measure of taxpayers convenience, it has been decided to extend the due date of filing of returns from July 31, 2013 to August 5, 2013,” said the Finance Ministry.

Over 92 lakh I-T returns have already been e-filed till July 30, which is a huge record. The number is 46.8% higher than the returns filed electronically on July 30, 2012.